The meeting constituted the first gathering of governments that have ratified or signed the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty focused on controlling 12 persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals that are subject to long-range transport in the environment.

The convention obligates governments to take specific measures to control the manufacture, use, release and disposal of the 12 designated chemicals and incorporates the use of risk and cost-benefit considerations.

For example, the convention recognises that there are circumstances in which certain chemicals must be available to combat the debilitating health, social and economic consequences of diseases such as malaria.

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and the World Chlorine Council (WCC), said they recognise the need to weigh public health, environmental safety and socio-economic considerations when determining whether to restrict certain chemicals.

CT “Kip” Howlett, secretariat of the WCC, said the chemical industry will “actively promote the successful implementation of the convention.” Efforts, he said, “will include providing expertise, raising awareness and executing stewardship and education programmes.”